Tag: Paul

Sacrifice

November 8, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

To lead is to sacrifice. Sacrifice is found at every level of leadership. When will the sacrifice need to be made? How large of a sacrifice will be necessary?

Perhaps above all, are we willing to make the sacrifice?

If we go below the surface and examine Paul’s leadership, we will find a leader who made great sacrifice. His level of sacrifice is exemplified throughout his writings. He speaks of sacrifices made in the past, present, and future. Whatever it took, he was willing to do.

We could spend weeks considering all the sacrifices required of leaders today. Regardless of what may come to mind, let us arise and make the sacrifices necessary to lead.

God demands it and the church depends on it.

Why Wait?

November 7, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Do we know what should be done? Why are we waiting to do it? Do we have the ability and resources to make it happen? Why are we waiting?

Souls are waiting. The church is waiting. Our God is waiting.

God has given us the ability and resources to make it happen.

Why are we waiting?

With so much at stake, will our waiting be worth it if we wait too long?

Application generally applies to anyone who delays obedience to the gospel. The same is true for leading.

We need to challenge our excuses. We cannot wait any longer. Paul’s words to the church at Corinth should be remembered, “Act like men.” Leadership will not wait!

Being Spent

September 20, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Spiritual leaders need to consider the words of Paul, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.”

Paul was willing to give of himself in every way for the benefit of others. Specifically, he desired their salvation.

In a self-serving and self-driven world, it is challenging to find those who have a greater desire to give than receive. However, as spiritual leaders, our focus must be on giving ourselves to others so that they might be saved.

I pray our spiritual leadership is of such nature that we look for ways to give of ourselves to help direct people to heaven.

The Past

July 8, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

We are all shaped by the events of our past. It may be teaching, experience, or influence. They are either positive or negative as we consider how the past shapes us.

Paul was an apostle molded by his family heritage, academic credentials, knowledge of Old Testament scripture, and zealous attack against the church.

However, he did not allow the past to dictate the direction of his future. Paul’s focus quickly became spiritually and heavenly directed.

We cannot relive or change the past. As leaders, we must learn from the past in order to prevent repeating areas that hinder our influence and focus.

Suffering and Glory

June 11, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

We know Jesus suffered while on earth: the persecution He endured, despising the shame, and the ultimate sacrifice at the cross.

John describes the glory of Jesus in the Revelation, and of all the terms that could have been used––sovereign Lord, Prince of peace, Mighty God, Creator, or Christ––John chose “Lamb.” Why use Lamb? Because He was the sacrifice made for the world. Suffering cannot be separated from the glory.

Paul reminds us that the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us, but suffering comes first.

The Mind of Christ

May 29, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

A spiritual leader invests in seeking the mind of Christ.

Paul highlights a Christlike motive: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit.”

He identifies the foundational attitude: “But with humility of mind.”

The concluding activity is vital to the mind of Christ: “Regard one another as more important than yourselves.”

The significance of understanding the mind of Christ must be coupled with the need to seek the mind of Christ.

When these two areas meet, leadership provides a Christlike direction for others.

Knowing God

May 28, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Spiritual leadership involves qualities, traits, virtues, and principles that are instrumental in guiding one’s character formation.

The foundation is to know God.

Jesus said eternal life aligns with knowing God and the One sent by Him.

Paul also spoke of the significance of knowing God by claiming his willingness to count everything as loss for the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:8).

Heritage, material possessions, academic achievement, and religious position were all worthless in view of this knowledge.

Leadership God’s way is driven by a passion to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.

God’s Workmanship

May 13, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul paints a beautiful picture of what God creates in Christ Jesus, described as “His workmanship.”

The root form of this word means “to make happen.” God is instrumental in making a new creation happen through Christ Jesus (cf. 2 Co. 5:17).

The idea further indicates the purpose for which we have been made His workmanship: to make good works happen that were previously prepared by God.

An application to leadership seems obvious. God has given leaders an opportunity to lead in the greatest work on earth, the workmanship of God to make His will happen.

Why Lead?

March 22, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Why do people lead?

Some lead for the power. They simply want authority over others to direct them.

Some lead out of a crisis. When crisis strikes, individuals are often forced into leadership.

Others lead because no one else will. When godly leaders do not rise up, others will, but not always in the right direction.

Still, some lead for the joy of it. They strive to develop godly and Christlike character, and desire to lead others to Christ.

Paul referred to those who led with both wrong motives and the right one. Examine why you lead, and learn to lead for the joy of an eternal outcome.

Godly Confidence

February 14, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Nothing is more powerful than knowing we have the greatest Ally defending us. Paul asks,“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Our challenge is living out the reality of this thought. When we hold to this truth it can change the direction of our leadership.

Leaders need to demonstrate confidence: the type of confidence that is not based on one’s own abilities, but a confidence built upon a relationship with God.

Paul understood there was no need to fear anyone or anything. God will defend us and fight for us. This is how we lead with godly confidence.

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